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Corbyn lambasts government over Brexit ‘shambles’

JEREMY CORBYN derided the government yesterday for its lack of cohesion over Brexit and its bias in favour of bankers after they received a guarantee of continued freedom of movement after Britain leaves the EU.

The Labour leader, speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions ahead of the Budget announcement, branded the government’s approach to the EU withdrawal process a “shambles.”

He urged PM Theresa May to clarify how the Irish border will operate after Brexit and accused the government of seeking to weaken workers’ rights and environmental protections.

He said: “Seventeen months after the referendum, they say there can be no hard [Irish] border but haven’t worked out how.

“They say they’ll protect workers’ rights, then vote against it. They say they’ll protect environmental rights, then vote against it. They promise action on tax avoidance, but vote against it time and time again.

“Isn’t it the truth that this government has no energy, no agreed plan and no strategy to deliver a good Brexit for Britain?”

Mr Corbyn raised warnings over the financial sector losing its current trading rights with EU nations, adding: “It seems neither the EU negotiators nor the government have any idea where this is going.

“Last week, [Brexit Secretary David Davis] said he would guarantee free movement for bankers post-Brexit.